spina bifida
Spina bifida belongs to a group of birth defects called neural tube defects The neural tube is an embryonic structure from which the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissue will develop in the future.
Normally, the neural tube forms early and closes at 28 days after conception. In children with spina bifida, part of the neural tube does not develop or close properly, causing defects in the spinal cord and bones of the spine.
Spina bifida develops in many different forms of severity Spina bifida is treated surgically, although this often does not completely resolve the problem
Doctors don't know what causes spina bifida Like many other problems, both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the development of spina bifida, such as a family history of neural tube defects and folic acid deficiency.
There are three forms of spina bifida Each form has a different severity
Closed spina bifida The mildest form, in which we have a gap between the vertebrae Because the nerves in the spinal cord are not damaged, children with this form have no symptoms or neurological problems.
Closed spina bifida can sometimes be visible on the skin above the defect At this time we may encounter:
- Unusual hairiness
- Fat accumulation
- Small indentation
Many people do not know that they have spina bifida obturata unless it is discovered accidentally during an X-ray or other examination.
Meningocele In this rare form, the covering of the spinal cord protrudes through the fissure between the vertebrae. During this time, the spinal cord develops normally, which is why the nerves are not damaged during the surgical removal of these membranes.
Myelomeningocele
Also known as open spina bifida, myelomeningocele is the most severe form of the disease most people think of when they say spina bifida.
In a myelomeningocele, the baby's spinal canal remains open to follow multiple mals. Both the membranes and the spinal cord protrude through these cracks, due to which a hernia is formed on the child's back
In some cases, the hernia is covered by a pouch, but more often the tissues and nerves are exposed, increasing the risk of life-threatening infections.
Neurological damage is common at this time These are:
- leg muscle weakness, sometimes paralysis
- problems with defecation and urination
- heartburn, especially if the child needs a shunt
- orthopedic problems, such as leg deformity, uneven femur bones or scoliosis
